The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the launch of Air Algérie’s inaugural direct flight service from Algiers to Abuja, scheduled for April 6, 2025. This is a crucial step in Nigeria’s bid to strengthen its diplomatic and economic ties with Algeria.
A report by the Punch Newspaper, which cited a statement signed by the acting spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, states that the new route is an offshoot of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between Nigeria and Algeria. The report adds that the national carrier, Air Algérie, will operate the new route using a Boeing 737 aircraft.
According to Ebienfa, “the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pleased to announce the commencement of Air Algerie’s inaugural direct flight service from Algiers to Abuja, scheduled for 6th April 2025. This historic development marks a significant milestone in Nigeria and Algeria’s growing diplomatic and economic relations. “It is pertinent to state that implementing the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between both countries culminated in this successful venture.”
Ebienfa also praised the efforts of the Nigerian Embassy in Algiers for its key role in making the flight service possible, adding that the inaugural flight is expected to carry the Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Algiers, Nigerian community leaders, and representatives from the Algerian government.
The flight service also offers Nigerians an affordable means of leveraging Algeria’s proximity to Europe as a convenient gateway to Europe, which will, in turn, enhance Nigeria’s position as a regional hub for business, tourism, and transit.
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Ebienfa also added that the Federal Government of Nigeria, “through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant aviation authorities, extends its warm congratulations to Air Algerie and assures all necessary support to ensure the success and sustainability of this new service. We believe this initiative will further strengthen the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and Algeria while opening new opportunities for mutual growth.”
“The affordable fare structure and the proximity of Algeria to Europe would also provide Nigerians with a convenient gateway to Europe, thereby enhancing Nigeria’s position as a regional hub for business, tourism, and transit.”
The flight service is also a potential magic wand for the boost in tourism that Nigeria pursues. The flight service opens Algeria as a travel destination for Nigerians, offering cultural exchange opportunities and tourism development. Conversely, it gives Algerians easier access to Nigeria’s tourist attractions, potentially increasing inbound tourism.
The flight service is also a pivot for bilateral trade as it will provide businesses with faster and more reliable transportation for goods and personnel. Increased regional trade will also be an offshoot of the flight service. The new route encourages trade between Nigeria and Algeria and within the broader West African region, as it connects Nigeria with Douala, Cameroon, via Algeria. Plus, by creating alternative trade routes, the service reduces reliance on traditional trade corridors, enhancing resilience in supply chains.
Indeed, Air Algérie’s direct flights to Abuja are poised to significantly impact Nigeria by enhancing its aviation industry, stimulating economic growth, boosting tourism, facilitating trade, and deepening diplomatic relations with Algeria. This initiative is expected to open new opportunities for mutual development while positioning Nigeria as a key player in regional connectivity.